The Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday held its hearing on "Getting to the Truth Through a Nonpartisan Commission of Inquiry." Witness testimony and a webcast link are here.

Here's from Chairman Leahy's opening statement:

There are some who resist any effort to look back [on Bush administration practices in the war on terror] at all, while others are fixated on prosecution, even if it takes all of the next eight years, or more, and further divides this country.

Over the last month, I have suggested a middle ground to get to the truth of what went on during the last several years, in a way that invites cooperation. I believe that that might best be accomplished through a nonpartisan commission of inquiry. I would like to see this done in a manner removed from partisan politics. Such a commission of inquiry would shed light on what mistakes were made so that we can learn from these errors and not repeat them.

Today's hearing is to explore that possibility. I am encouraged that many have already embraced this idea, including several of the distinguished witnesses I welcome today.

With all the focus on the Bush administration and its officials, I hope any commission will also examine Congress's role.